Giovanni Savarese Formally Introduced as New Timbers Coach

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Giovanni Savarese has been formally introduced as the head coach of the Portland Timbers.

The 46-year-old former player had been coach of the North American Soccer League's New York Cosmos since 2012. He led the team to three Soccer Bowl championships in five seasons.

Savarese replaces coach Caleb Porter, who unexpectedly parted ways with the Timbers in November. In five seasons under Porter, Portland posted a 68-50-52 record and won the MLS Cup championship in 2015. The team finished atop the Western Conference last season.